Arteta hails Leno after impressive display against Liverpool

Mikel Arteta was pleased with goalkeeper Bernd Leno after his heroics saw Arsenal progress at the hands of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was the star of the day as the Gunners edged Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

After both sides played out to a goalless draw in regulation time, the game went straight to penalties.

Leno made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout and it was enough to see Arsenal progress to the quarter-finals.

Asides the penalty saves, the German goalkeeper bailed his side lots of times during regulation time.

Leno made no less than seven key saves during the 90 minutes and it came as no surprise he was handed the Man of the Match award.

Bernd Leno made seven saves against Liverpool in tonight's EFL Cup tie.

Plus two saves from the spot in the shoot-out to fire the Gunners through to the next round. ☄️ pic.twitter.com/jwtstYOd0x
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 1, 2020

Mikel Arteta was pleased with the goalkeeper’s showing and heaped praise on his quality and mentality after the game. The Arsenal boss made a tough decision in selling Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa and believes he was justified to do so.

“We had two fantastic goalkeepers and they were both performing really well,” the Gunners boss told the club’s website.

“Bernd, before he had the injury, and then Emi when he came in. But we had to make a decision and I think it was a moment when Emi needed the next step and financially it was a really interesting proposal for us.

“We need to manage the resources that we have to strengthen the team. I am really happy for Bernd and for his performance, the character that he’s shown tonight. It was really helpful to get us through to the next round.”

Leno faced criticism after his performance against Liverpool on Monday but Mikel Arteta says the goalkeeper remains focused on his game.

“I think the biggest pressure is coming from the players individually,” Arteta added.

“I don’t think they read that much about what other people are saying. He’s very stable, he works, he has his routines and I don’t think he’s very bothered about what’s going on outside.”

After going past Liverpool, Arsenal have another tough task on their hands. They have been paired against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.